You have likely performed the high-five thousands of times throughout your life. Whether it follows a game-winning shot, a perfectly executed parallel park, or a well-timed joke, the high-five is a universal language of celebration. It feels as ancient and fundamental as the handshake or the wave, yet it is a surprisingly modern invention. Despite its ubiquity in global culture, the true origin of the high-five remains a subject of spirited debate, involving legendary baseball players, cultural shifts, and a touch of mystery.
The 1977 Dodgers Legend: A Moment in Baseball History
The most widely accepted origin story for the high-five traces back to October 2, 1977, at Dodger Stadium. During the final game of the regular season, Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Dusty Baker hit his 30th home run of the year. As Baker rounded the bases and approached home plate, his teammate Glenn Burke was waiting for him. In a spontaneous burst of excitement, Burke raised his hand high in the air, and Baker, reacting instinctively, slapped it.
This interaction is frequently cited as the birth of the high-five. While the gesture was not captured on television—meaning the “first” high-five exists only in the collective memory of those present—it quickly became a staple of the Dodgers’ dugout. Dusty Baker later recalled the moment to ESPN, noting that Burke’s hand was arched way back, and slapping it simply felt like the natural thing to do. From that day forward, the gesture became a signature move for the team, eventually spreading throughout Major League Baseball and into the wider world of professional sports.
Competing Claims and Cultural Context
While the 1977 Dodgers story is the most famous, it is not the only claim to the invention of the high-five. Historians and sports enthusiasts have pointed to various cultural precursors that suggest the gesture might have been “in the air” long before that October afternoon. Some researchers point to the 1960s and 70s basketball scene, where players were already using variations of the “low-five”—a gesture common in African American culture—as a sign of camaraderie and respect.
The transition from the low-five to the high-five represents a significant shift in how athletes expressed joy. The low-five was often a subtle, grounded gesture, whereas the high-five was an explosive, upward-reaching movement that signaled a higher level of energy. Some argue that the high-five was an inevitable evolution of these existing social cues. Other claims include:
- The Louisville Cardinals: Some basketball historians suggest that players at the University of Louisville were using a similar upward-reaching gesture in the late 1970s, potentially predating the Dodgers’ moment.
- The “High-Five” as a Linguistic Shift: The term itself did not appear in major dictionaries until the early 1980s, suggesting that the gesture gained cultural legitimacy only after it became a staple of televised sports broadcasts.
- The Influence of Pop Culture: As the gesture moved from the baseball diamond to the screen, it was adopted by actors and musicians, cementing its status as a universal symbol of success.
Why the High-Five Became a Global Phenomenon
The success of the high-five lies in its simplicity and its ability to transcend language barriers. Unlike a verbal cheer or a complex handshake, the high-five requires only two people and a split second of coordination. It is a non-verbal way to validate another person’s achievement, creating an immediate sense of connection. By the 1980s, the high-five had moved beyond the locker room and into the corporate world, schoolyards, and social gatherings, becoming a shorthand for “well done.”
Its rapid adoption can also be attributed to the rise of televised sports. As cameras began to capture more intimate moments between athletes, the high-five became a visual shorthand for team chemistry. Fans watching at home saw their heroes celebrating in a way that felt accessible and human, and they began to mimic the behavior in their own lives. Today, the high-five is so deeply ingrained in our social fabric that we rarely stop to consider that it had a beginning at all.
Frequently Asked Questions About the High-Five
Was the high-five really invented in 1977?
While 1977 is the most cited date, it is more accurate to say that the high-five was popularized in 1977. Whether it was the absolute first instance is impossible to prove, as similar gestures likely existed in informal settings for years.
What is the difference between a high-five and a low-five?
The low-five is a traditional gesture where the hand is held at waist level, often associated with African American culture and the “soul shake.” The high-five is an upward-reaching variation that emphasizes height and energy.
Is there a “wrong” way to high-five?
While there is no official rulebook, the “missed” high-five—where one person reaches for the hand and the other misses—has become a comedic trope in movies and television, highlighting the importance of timing and spatial awareness in the gesture.
Ultimately, whether or not Dusty Baker and Glenn Burke were the true pioneers, they are the ones who brought the gesture into the spotlight. The high
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